Hola! I’m Christian Poon, and I was El Lider Del Dia for this eventful and emotional day. It was completely different than the past days because it allowed us to personally reflect on our lives and what we saw.
Today, we had to wake up at 5:30 in order to get ready for breakfast at 6:00. This was not the greatest beginning of the day because breakfast was not ready until 6:45. In order to past the time, we had an academic seminar about poverty, and we learned about the statistics of poverty in the world, as well as specifically in Nicaragua. It was astonishing to see the statistics, and it gave us something to think about during the day. As El Lider Del Dia, this morning stressed me out because there were many changes to the intended itinerary, and I had to encourage the group to be flexible with that.
We all took a bus to the city dump, Los Binos, with members of Club Infantil. We were not allowed to bring cameras to this place because it was a very personal place to take pictures at, so we all took a picture before going!
It was a very emotional for us when we got to Los Binos. We saw some kids filling up buckets of water, and we realized that they were getting ready to take a shower. As soon as we figured this out, I heard gasps all over the bus. This was the first emotional moment for the group as a whole, and it made me reflect on the showers I have had all my life.
We walked into Los Binos, and saw many homes built out of all the garbage. There were many flies, dogs, trash, and people all over the place. It was very surprising for me to see everything with my own two eyes. When it rains, the whole place can literally flood. The people that live there get their water by walking nearly 1.5 miles to the nearest faucet. They get their food from another community outside of Los Binos, and bring it back home to cook. Although it was upsetting to see the poverty, it was still great to see that all of the people were happy and prideful of their situation. We all decided to play an intense game of soccer together at a nearby field, and it was a really fun experience.
I was proud to see that everyone was having such a good time, despite the emotions and hardships that everyone went through today. Before going back to the hostel, I told everyone to take a moment of silence in the bus to reflect on what we had just seen and experienced. When we got back, I asked the members of Club Infantil, “¿Quieren comer almuerzo con nosotros a la una y media?” They said yes, and they came over to the hostel after we all showered.
When the Club Infantil Members came over, we asked questions about Los Binos and their experiences there. It was another emotional moment because we were reflecting on it again. They planned a project to build a water system in there so that the people can have better access to water. It was a touching moment to talk about the situation again.
Later that day, we had to go to Benjamin Zeledon again to teach English classes. English classes seem to be getting better and better as time goes on because we are getting the hang of teaching. This also included getting to know our students, and I felt like I learned Spanish while trying to teach English because these students speak Spanish to me.
This day was a self-reflection day. We got to reflect a lot on our experience at Los Binos, and it made us appreciate our lives a lot more. It was an eye-opening experience because seeing poverty with our own eyes is completely different than reading or hearing about poverty. We think poverty is determined by what people lack, and although these people lack basic needs, they do not lack heart. They share compassion with each other, stick together like families, and always try to smile. It was definitely a day to look back on.
Hey guys!
So I got home late last night, and just as a heads up, your heart will break a little when you touch down in the states and realize that you are not in Nicaragua anymore. I miss you guys, but wanted to update you. Last night just before I arrived, Lesly had taken a little turn for the worst. So this morning at around 11:00, we decided that legal or not, my parents were going to be married. (For those of you who do not know, I have two moms.) At 1:00 in the afternoon, amid family and friends, the county supervisor Efren Carillo conducted a wedding ceremony for my mothers. Everything is official. For now we are all holding up, and tonight we are taking shifts to stay with her. I will try to let you all know when something changes, but for now, I love and miss you all, and please take lots of pictures for me! (especially of our students, Poon and Anna.) Have a wonderful rest of the trip, and I hope we can all get together when you get back!
Clare, Miriam’s family has been holding you in our hearts and will continue to do so. Am happy to hear you arrived safely and appreciate the update. Much love and strength to you and your moms. Rose (and miriam)
A very moving account of your day at Los Binos, Christian, and it ended on a hopeful note by showing us how the residents rose above their impoverished circumstances. Thank you for sharing your experiences on this eventful day.
It was wonderful to receive your call, Vik, brief as it was. Glad to hear that you are well. Vasco goes to your room every so often and whimpers in there as he misses you, as we all do. Missed you tremendously during the thrilling and classic NBA finals game 6 when the Heat pulled off the impossible in the last few seconds and took the game to overtime which they won; tying the series 3-3. Stay safe and see you in a week.
Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you all know that my mother Lesly passed away tonight. She was with friends and family, and it was the best way she could have gone. Thanks to everyone at GG for getting me home so quickly. Alanna, call me asap. Love, and Thanks, Clare
Our deepest condolences to you and your family at your sudden and great loss.
Thoughts and prayers,
Sreedhars
Clare,we have deep thoughts your sad and sudden Ioss.
Santiago (Miriam’s brother)
Clare, Words are not enough to express our great sadness. Our deepest condolences to you and your family for your tragic loss. Rey & Sandra (Daphne Pineda’s parents)